Curriculum And Culture Coordinator

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School

Founding Curriculum and Culture Coordinator

About Us

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K-5 charter school in Douglasville, GA (Metro Atlanta area). The school opened in August 2023 with a class of approximately 216 kindergarten – 3rd grade students and will grow a year, until fully enrolled. Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment to develop the leader inside every student for lifelong educational achievement and impactful community service.

We will accomplish our mission through an academically rigorous environment where students will master the core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, hone their leadership skills in and out of school, and demonstrate community service. Our staff hold an unwavering belief that all students deserve an excellent education and it’s our collective responsibility to prepare students to take a seat at the table, so they can emerge as the next generation of leaders. We also believe that it’s never too early to prepare students for college and career, so they have the opportunity to live choice filled lives.

OUR APPROACH

Our college preparatory model includes three key components beginning with an intentional focus on language and literacy development to increase critical thinking and reading proficiencies for all students. Second, a discovery-based learning approach where teachers encourage our students to take ownership of their learning by discovering new ideas and solutions to real world challenges. The third component, leadership, teaches essential habits of leadership so students can apply real world skills to their overall growth and development. ZEST Prep intentionally teaches leadership skills beginning in kindergarten.

JOB TITLE: Curriculum and Culture Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: District-Administrative

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

Position Summary

Serving in a founding role provides the opportunity to build something new and set the foundation for success. An integral part of our success will be the daily implementation of highly effective teaching and learning that allows students to thrive academically and socially.

The primary role of the Curriculum and Culture Coordinator is to co-lead ZEST Preparatory Academy’s academic and culture plan. This person supports the day-to-day school instructional programming and culture for ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School. The position works closely with the Executive Director and Director of Operations to ensure alignment with the school’s goals, mission, and vision.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CURRICULUM AND CULTURE COORDINATOR

• Advocate: Advocates for the mission, vision, and strategic direction of ZEST Preparatory Academy
• Support the implementation of the school’s instructional vision inclusive of curriculum development, instructional practices, professional development, assessment, and evaluations
• Maintain a deep understanding of the Georgia Standards of Excellence to ensure student growth and mastery in all content areas
• Ensure positive student growth outcomes based upon required Georgia assessments and internal assessments such as NWEA MAP
• Conduct regular classroom observations
• Learner: Actively seeks out and participates in personal and professional development opportunities
• Positivity: Promotes a positive and effective climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly
• Flexible: Embraces an “all hands on deck” mentality. Must be comfortable with ambiguity
• Monitor student data and promote a data-driven culture within the school community
• Problem Solver: Recognizes problems as an opportunity and actively assists with constructive resolutions
• Maintain deep knowledge of the Science of Reading, and language and literacy development

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Curriculum and Culture Coordinator co-leads ZEST Preparatory Academy’s academic and culture plan.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Student academic growth and development

Instructional Planning and Coaching

• Lead staff members through goal setting, coaching, feedback, and evaluation to continuously improve their craft
• Serve as a model educator, demonstrating and sharing best practices
• Identify, develop, and facilitate professional development opportunities for staff members that align to yearly school goals and priorities
• Support in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of school performance data to make holistic and individual recommendations for improving instructional practices

Positive School Culture

• Plan and lead school-wide events, celebrations, and gatherings
• Manage student behavior systems in partnership with the school administrative team
• Guide and promote character development of students through deliberate programming practices and by coaching teachers in developing stronger relationships with students
• Provide support for teachers with students who need additional behavior assistance
• Model, promote, and coach others toward effective communication with families, cultivating engagement in their child’s success and the ZEST Prep mission

Ensures effective communication and community involvement including, but not limited to:

• Development of explicit shared vision of the school that incorporates the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders
• Design and implementation of a robust parent and community involvement plan that supports students’ success and the needs of the school community

Ancillary Duties:

Include, but are not limited to:

• Participate on School Leadership Team
• Promote positive school culture
• Demonstrate positive support for the Board, administrative team, school staff, and the community
• Assist with student arrival and dismissal
• Attend after school activities

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Three years’ experience in school or education leadership required
• A Master’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university; advanced degree preferred
• Georgia Educator Certificate (preferred)
• Five plus years of broad education and professional experience
• Experience in leadership in a Local Education Agency. Charter school experience desirable

Experience:

Current authorization to work in the United States

Clear Criminal Background Check

Knowledge and Competencies:

• Strong communication skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a multi-generational workplace
• Meticulous attention to detail, precision, and accuracy
• A comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees. Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered
• Knowledge of strategies for organization, management, and adult supervision
• Commitment to excellence balanced with human-centered leadership
• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary range $60,000-$70,000.
• Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skills

Compensation And Benefits

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZEST Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of leaders. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.